City council to vote Sept. 14;
no concerns voiced at hearing
McCaysville City Council members are set to approve a 2021-’22 proposed budget that includes expense increases of $549,545.21 over 2021-’22, while revenue is projected to only increase $65,929.35.
And that revenue increase includes a hefty amount of money to come from reserve funds, a move that has been required every year since 2016.
A public hearing seeking input on the proposed budget was held Wednesday, September 1, but no residents were present to voice any support or concerns.
A breakdown of the overall projections in the budget proposal show expenses increased of $340,432.99 in the General Fund and $209,112.22 in the Water and Sewer budget.
Meanwhile, General Fund revenues are projected to decrease $6,140.99 and Water and Sewer revenues to increase $72,020.34.
The projected expenditures for the General Fund include a 3% pay increase for all full-time city employees including the police department.
Councilwoman Susan Kiker, who serves as the police commissioner, has strongly objected to raises for officers, saying take-home cars covered pay increases. Her objections blocked a city council vote on the proposed budget at an August 10 meeting. However, she did not object at the public hearing.
A review of the proposed budget expenses includes:
•Administrative, $224,997;
•Municipal Court, $15,330;
•Police Department, $673,901, which includes the Brackett settlement;
•Street Department, $275,079; and,
•City Park, $73,834.
The projected expenditures for the Water and Sewer services department are as follows:
•Water Distribution, $1,391,341;
•Sewer Collection and Disposal, $560,000; and,
•Water Treatment Plant, $87,150.
Mayor Thomas Seabolt said, “To do this budget, we’ll have to take $149,466 out of reserves.”
No council member voiced any concerns or asked for any changes to be made during the hearing.
The city council is scheduled to vote on whether or not to approve the proposed budget during the next city council meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, at 7 p.m.